Detectives investigating the rape of a 11-year-old girl as she walked home from school made an arrest today.

Officers held a 26-year-old man at an address in Edmonton but police said the investigation into the assault was continuing.

The victim, described as petite and wearing her uniform, was attacked in Jubilee Park, Lower Edmonton, at about 5pm on Friday.

She got off the 192 bus from Enfield Town in Bury Street and was in Galliard Road when a man dragged her into the park’s pitch and putt area. Police say her ordeal lasted between two and three hours. The girl got home at 8pm and was taken to hospital where she had surgery for serious injuries.

The suspect is described as black with an Afro hairstyle and was wearing a dark grey top and black, baggy jeans. Today extra police patrols were deployed around the park as officers renewed appeals for witnesses.

They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the girl appearing confused or dishevelled following the attack.

Today residents and politicians described their shock. Leyla Bekir, 33, said: “I have an 11-year- old daughter who used to use that park so this has hit very hard with me. That poor girl, her Christmas and even her life beyond that has been destroyed. The monster that did this wants locking up forever. Nothing like this has happened around here before as far as I know, now we are living in fear.”

Victor Rash, 80, has lived next to the park with his wife Jean, 79, for 45 years. He said: “Nothing like this has happened in the park. There is petty crime but nothing like this. We are all in shock.”

Another resident Gary Hammond, 43, said that last year a flasher was stalking the park. He added: “The flasher jumped out on my friend. We are now wondering if there is any connection. He struck more than once and it was reported to the police.”

Enfield-Southgate MP David Burrowes said: “As a parent of an 11-year-old schoolgirl, my heart and prayers go out to the victim of this horrific attack. The nature of the attack on a well-used school route demands great vigilance as we hope this evil man is caught soon.”

Edmonton MP Andy Love added: “I’m shocked and appalled by the incident. It’s unbelievable that a young girl has been dragged into a local park, assaulted, then released and forced to find her own way home.” Detective Inspector Simon Ellershaw said police had received dozens of calls from the public but urged anyone with information to contact them at the incident room on 020 8345 4326 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.